In the high-stakes world of global finance, few Nigerian women have made as bold a mark as Elizabeth Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu. A seasoned investment banker with over 25 years’ experience, she has carved a reputation for unlocking international funding for African governments, corporates, and institutions. As the founder and CEO of Woodhall Capital, Hunponu-Wusu is redefining how Africa engages with global markets, proving that integrity, expertise, and vision can position a Lagos-based firm on the world stage.
From Lagos to London: The Early Years
Born in Lagos, Hunponu-Wusu’s path to international finance began early. After her formative years in Nigeria, she studied at Abbey College in Worcestershire, before earning a degree in Economics from Coventry University and an MBA from Imperial College London. Her professional foundation was built in London, where she held roles at some of the world’s most respected institutions, including BNP Paribas, Goldman Sachs, Credit Lyonnais, and Deutsche Bank.
This global exposure not only sharpened her financial expertise but also gave her the confidence to return to Nigeria with a mission: to bridge the persistent gap between African capital needs and international investors.
Building Woodhall Capital
In 2014, she founded Woodhall Capital, a financial advisory firm headquartered in Lagos. Under her leadership, the company has raised more than US$5 billion in funding across sovereign, corporate, and institutional clients. The firm’s credibility is underscored by a remarkable 100% client retention rate, a rare achievement in the financial advisory space.
Woodhall Capital has since expanded its footprint to London, Dubai, and most recently, Abuja, evidence of its growing influence in cross-border deal structuring. Its mandate has extended beyond capital raising to include advisory services that strengthen the financial strategies of governments and corporations alike.
Integrity, Ethics, and Vision
Hunponu-Wusu attributes much of her success to values instilled early in life. Raised by her mother alongside four siblings, she was taught to pursue excellence with discipline and clarity. Today, she leads with the same principles, insisting on transparency, ethics, and trust in every deal. “Reputation is everything in finance,” she often notes, stressing that sustainable success depends on credibility as much as competence.
Beyond transactions, she is passionate about mentorship and women’s empowerment, using her platform to encourage aspiring professionals to enter fields traditionally dominated by men.
Challenging Traditions, Redefining Balance
Away from the boardroom, Hunponu-Wusu does not shy away from challenging societal expectations. In a candid revelation, she once shared that in over 20 years of marriage and raising children, she has “never cooked at home,” choosing instead to prioritize her purpose and professional commitments. While unconventional, her perspective underscores a broader message: women should have the freedom to define success and balance on their own terms.
Looking Ahead
With her sharp global perspective and track record of delivering results, Hunponu-Wusu remains a central figure in Nigeria’s financial landscape. As African nations and corporations seek greater access to international markets, her role in structuring deals and building trust will remain indispensable.
For Elizabeth Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu, the journey is about more than capital. It is about rewriting the narrative of African finance, one deal, one client, and one breakthrough at a time.
